Silver City, NM- The Native American Club held an open house on Tuesday, November 10 at The Native American Center. Aside from being a great way to open up to the campus community, it was also a good opportunity for students to learn a little more about the organization. Dr. Scott Fritz, one of the advisers, certainly had a lot to say about the club’s current operations and future plans.
“The mission of the Native American Club is to provide Native American students the support they need, but students of all ethnicities are welcome to join.” Fritz said.
Students should keep an eye on the Native American Club, because major changes may be just around the corner. Dr. Fritz was excited to share a new plan that would give the club a well-deserved boost.
“We are trying to implement a two year plan that will help get some new computers, receive book donations for the research library, and revise the current club constitution so that club members can oversee the center. We reactivated the phone, and are working to fund three work study positions in the center that would be open to club members.”
An ambitious plan to be sure, but it is a major step forward. The Club has office space for its officers in the center and the plan is that the three work study students would be able to keep the center open five days a week. This would help The Native American Club continue to be an active member of the community both on and off campus. This includes participating in WNMU events such as Great Race and Native American Week, but also participating in community service. The Club is planning to help with a community garden at 6th Street Elementary.
Besides participating in in the community, The Native American Club and Native American Center play a very important role. Dr. Fritz also shared some of the history behind Native American Centers.
“Native American Centers were established in major cities in the 60’s and really grew in the 70’s. The 1956 Indian Relocation Act brought many Native Americans off reservations and into cities. It was a culture shock and there was no community for Native Americans. Native American Centers served as reservations off the reservation and were places of community and a way to keep who they are. Native American Centers also help retention of culture and can help them feel at home.”
With WNMU’s Native American Center, Native American students have a place to feel more at home and also gives students a chance to learn about Native American culture. It is important for everybody to feel a part of the community and the Native American Club and Native American Center are there to provide that.
Sadly, the ambitious plans of the Native American Club come on the heels of a very hard loss. Former president of the Native American Club, Shelby Blackgoat, died last week in a car accident and his loss is hard felt. Shelby was instrumental in the planning of Native American Week and other major projects within the club. There was a taco sale held on November 13 to raise funds for Shelby’s family, as well as plans to build a more permanent memorial, pending a consensus from the Native American Club.
If you are interested in joining the Native American Club or would like more information you can contact Dr. Scott Fritz at Scott.Fritz@wnmu.edu.
